Ballymoney resource centre lobbies politicians on cost of living

Building Communities Resource Centre (BCRC) manager Marie-Louise McClarey attended the recent Department for Ccommunities Emergencies Leadership Forum led by caretaker DfC Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA.

She voiced the concerns of people in the Causeway Coast & Glens area as well as the concerns of the community and voluntary sector.

In the last six months, BCRC Ethnic Community Team and Community Navigator for Older People have facilitated 1,372 individual interventions as BCRC is seeing a hike in demands from individuals and groups for post-Covid recovery response as well as cost of living crisis interventions.

Marie-Louise McClarey highlighted to the Minister the stress in low paid households and the stress on the C/V sector to respond to the emergencies with few resources.

The Minster stated : “I want to pay tribute today to all the groups involved in the Emergencies Leadership Group who represent the efforts of all those in our community who are working tirelessly on the frontline to support individuals, families and workers at this difficult time.

“My Department will continue to work closely with the community and voluntary sector to provide all available support, albeit that options are significantly constrained at this time.”

BCRC Community Outreach Team Angela Mulholland and Clair McLaughlin recently hosted a Cost of Living crisis event in partnership with Causeway Advice Centre and will continue to support people in need.

BCRC also attended a Cost of Living crisis event – impact on older people held by COPNI (Commission for Older People) and spoke to caretaker Minister Conor Murphy on these issues.

Finance Minister Conor Murphy met with The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland Eddie Lynch, stakeholders and a number of older people to discuss the impact of the cost-of-living-crisis and listen to their concerns as they face increasing energy bills and an uncertain winter.

Ms McClarey said she welcomed the promises of Ministers that support is coming and hopes “it is a matter of when rather than if”.